Scholars lack unanimity about the nature of Political Science. Some consider it as a science, while some others doubt its scientific aspect and consider it as an art.

Political Science as a science: 

Political Science is termed as a science. Though, it is not a science as are other natural sciences, but it is social science. Famous scholar Aristotle termed it as “the best science”. Systematic and judicious study of any subject is called science. It will be a radical view not to consider Political Science as a science. 

It can be termed as a science on the following basis :

1. Systematic and organised knowledge: 

Science is systematic, organised and categorised. Political Science explains the state, government, political organisations, concepts, etc. in the same way. It explains the origin and development in the same way. It also explains the origin and development of state in a systematic manner – as Doesscience. Data and facts are also used for this purpose. 

2. Observation and experiments are possible: 

As Political Science is a social science, laboratory experiments are not possible like natural sciences, still some experiments are possible. For example, it has been derived on the basis of experiments that democracy is a must for the establishment of fundamental duties of citizens. In the same way, it can be concluded on the basis of domain of state, that it is better to follow the policy of welfare state than to limit the domain of state. 

3. Acceptable universal methods and conclusions are possible: 

Universal methods and conclusions can be derived in Political Science also. Ancient Indian thinker Kautilya and Greek philosopher Aristotle had evolved some common principles and conclusions that are relevant even to this day. The statement of Lord Acton has got universal acknowiedgement that, “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In the same way, this fact is also acknowleged that economic freedom is as necessary as political freedom for the all – round development of an individual. 

4. It is possible to establish cause – effect relationship: 

Some scholars are of the view that since it is not possible to establish cause-effect relationship in Political Science, it is not a science. But the reality is that there is always some reason behind every happening and change. For example, this can be concluded on the basis of the study of the different revolutions in the world that revolutions took place because of the public dissatisfaction aroused from proud and uncaring behaviour of the rulers, incompetent governance, social discrimination, political and economic corruption, etc. 

5. Predictions are possible: 

It is not possible to predict accurately and absolutely in Political Science as in natural science, but it is possible to predict like weather forcast in meteorology. Exit polls are also able to predict election results.

Political Science as an Art: 

Political Science can be an art by nature. Two features are necessary for any subject to be an art. First is – possibility of applying the theoretical knowledge of the subject in practice. Second – The subject should be value-based to make life more happy. Political Science has both these features. So, it is an art also. Ancient Indian thinkers had considered Political Science as an art, whereas Plato described Political Science as an art of governance. 

Political Science uses its theoretical knowledge for the art of governance and in order to execute its policies through administrative organisations. The main purpose behind all these efforts is to make human life beautiful, valuable and complete. It not only studies how the life was in the past, but it also studies the present life and how life would be in the future. It makes a lot of practical efforts to incorporate these values and ethics. In this regard also, this is an art. 

Political Science is both an art and a science: 

Political Science is both an art as a well as science by nature. Though it is not a natural science, it is a social science. It is an art by its purpose and works. It is data – based and value -based. It has the features of both an art and a science. When Political Science studies its subject matter theoretically, its a science; but when it applies these principles for increasing the comfort of human life, it becomes an art. In this way, Political Science is both an art as well as a science.